$6,705 Per Child Centrelink Payment 2025 – Who Qualifies & How to Claim

Australian families juggling rising rents, grocery bills, and school costs will soon have access to a significant financial lifeline. The government has confirmed that parents could receive up to $6,705 per child under the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A program from the 2025–26 financial year. This support, delivered through Services Australia, is aimed squarely at low- and middle-income households who are carrying the heaviest cost-of-living burden.

How the $6,705 Per Child Support Works

This payment isn’t a brand-new scheme—it’s part of the existing Family Tax Benefit Part A, which pays different rates depending on a family’s income, number of children, and ages of those children.

• Maximum entitlement: $6,705 per child, per year
• Payment method: Either fortnightly instalments or a lump sum after tax time
• Delivery: Paid via Centrelink, managed through myGov
• Adjustments: Families earning above $80,000 may receive a reduced rate, while higher-income families may not qualify at all

Eligibility Requirements

To receive the full $6,705 per child:

• Income test: Household taxable income generally must be below $80,000. Families above this may still receive partial support.
• Residency test: The parent/guardian must be an Australian resident, and the child must also meet residency conditions.
• Child’s age:
  • Under 16 years of age, or
  • Up to 19 years old if in full-time secondary education
• Care test: The child must live with the claimant at least part of the year.
• Other conditions: Must meet immunisation and school attendance requirements.

Families already receiving FTB Part A don’t need to reapply—the adjustment happens automatically during the year or at the end-of-financial-year balancing process.

How to Apply

For new claimants:

1. Link Centrelink to MyGov at myGov Services Australia.
2. Go to the Family Assistance section and start a claim for FTB.
3. Provide required documents:
   • Proof of identity
   • Evidence of income (tax return, payslips, etc.)
   • Child details (birth certificate, school enrolment)

Existing recipients will see the increased amount flow into their usual fortnightly payments or as a lump sum after tax time.

Payment Options

Families can choose between:

Payment Type	Details
Fortnightly instalments	Spread throughout the year, based on estimated income.
Annual lump sum	Paid after tax returns are lodged, balancing against actual income.

This flexibility allows families to decide whether they prefer ongoing support or a larger lump sum at year’s end.

Why It Matters

Raising children is expensive—by some estimates, the cost of raising a child in Australia to age 18 can exceed $200,000. With inflation pushing everyday expenses higher, the $6,705 per child payment is a meaningful attempt to reduce financial stress, especially for single parents and families with multiple children.

Key Takeaways

• Families may receive up to $6,705 per child under FTB Part A from late 2025.
• Eligibility depends on income, residency, child’s age, and school/immunisation compliance.
• Payments are made fortnightly or as a lump sum via Centrelink.
• No reapplication required for current FTB recipients; new families must apply through myGov.
• Provides targeted relief during Australia’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

FAQs